the year, is a very great one, and becoming greater and more involved 

 each year. Feeling that I could not do such justice lo that subject as it 

 deserved, it occurred to me that as good a service might be done by an 

 even cursory glance at our materials for work — in other words our Ento- 

 mological collections. My subject shall therefor be: 



Entomology and Entomological Collections 

 in the United States. 



In the status of Entomology in our country a gradual and great re- 

 volution has been accomplished of late days. It is not so long since 

 Entomologists were looked upon as triflers, even by other students of 

 Natural History and only recently the launan did ntit rank him among 

 persons of sound mind. 



The steady labor of our Systematists, the value of their results in 

 questions of general Biology, and for large generalizations, have gradually 

 won for us the respect of the workers in other fields, whilst the value of 

 the labors of the economic entomologist to the farmer is becoming con- 

 stantly better appreciated In the so-called "Hatch Bill," with the main 

 provisions of which most of the gentlemen present are as well acquainted 

 as I am — apprnpriation was made to State Agricultural Experiment 

 Stations, and among other officers, Entomologists have been appointed 

 in many of the States, showing a realization of the necessity for such an 

 (ifficer in each State to study the local needs. 



It also places Entomology into the rank of professions, and as soon 

 as it becomes generally known that money may be made by it, even the 

 last and most weighty reproach showered upon the rash young man who 

 showed an inclination to the study of Entomology will lose force. It 

 adds to the corps of working Entomologists a considerable number of 

 men, some of whom at least, will advantage the study of our Science. 



It will iindoubtedl}' also add to our literature, and it is a matter of 

 some interest lo watch and ascertain what the nature of these contributions 

 will be. The great majority of those already issued certainly do not 

 promise well, and are a misfortune rather than otherwise. Judgment 

 however must be suspended until further, and perhaps better considered 

 reports appear. 



A certain amount of compilation will undoubtedly be necessary, but 

 it may be as well to suggest that a single obscure point cleared up, a 

 single life-history well worked out, or a single series of original experi- 

 ments well carried on will add more value to a Report, than any number 

 of second-hand accounts. 



The scientific side of our study has made a steady advance, not 

 marked by any prominent features calling for special reference here. 



